Taking HB2 aside for one second, what is everyone's love affair with Asheville? I find that city one of the snootiest, expensive and overrated towns around this region. Different strokes, I guess, but every time I have to go there, I get my ibuprofen ready.

You should hear how North Carolinians talk about the Tri-Cities btw. 1) They have no idea what's over here, even though it's 45 minutes past their darling Boone and 1 hour past Asheville, 2) I had a friend who pretty much made it felt that she was traversing the Misty Mountains/Himalayas into the great unknown wilderness known as Tennessee.

(09-16-2016 07:28 AM)ekxixis1984 Wrote: Taking HB2 aside for one second, what is everyone's love affair with Asheville? I find that city one of the snootiest, expensive and overrated towns around this region. Different strokes, I guess, but every time I have to go there, I get my ibuprofen ready.

You should hear how North Carolinians talk about the Tri-Cities btw. 1) They have no idea what's over here, even though it's 45 minutes past their darling Boone and 1 hour past Asheville, 2) I had a friend who pretty much made it felt that she was traversing the Misty Mountains/Himalayas into the great unknown wilderness known as Tennessee.

I think everyone likes that it is a close and familiar drive. I personally don't find it that great outside of a few restaurants. Place reeks of patchouli.

(09-16-2016 07:28 AM)ekxixis1984 Wrote: Taking HB2 aside for one second, what is everyone's love affair with Asheville? I find that city one of the snootiest, expensive and overrated towns around this region. Different strokes, I guess, but every time I have to go there, I get my ibuprofen ready.

Ironically Asheville "reinvented" itself several years ago to embrace the culture of LGBT or so I've been told. It has certainly become a destination and is convenient for our fans. Heck, a lot of us wouldn't have to even stay overnight during the tournament.

The Obama Administration, the Department of Education, and the Department of Justice have clarified that every person is free to self identify their preferred gender, and they must be treated accordingly, without any additional qualifications. No doctor's diagnosis, no surgery, no past history of gender preference, nor any other qualification may be required. Self identity trumps all.

The Obama DOJ further states that any individual or entity that receives federal funds in any way, will be in violation of Title IX if they impose any restrictions beyond self-identification. Violators will be subject to penalties, legal fees, and civil actions to sue for damages.

So, what group currently imposes additional qualifications? Why, the NCAA, that's who. NCAA regulations prohibit born-male athletes from competing as female unless they are currently undergoing hormone treatments. Under the law of the land, that is a blatant violation of Title IX.

The NCAA has proven that it is largely made up of sanctimonious hypocrites. If they want to be holier than thou, let them get their own house in order first.

I hope Dr. Noland, the other university presidents, and officials at the SoCon have better sense than to become a part of this hypocrisy.

An article in the Charleston (SC) paper this morning says SoCon is considering moving from North Carolina. Says there will be a conference call next week and it could be decided then, or, at a meeting in October.

With the NCAA and the ACC having pulled out of NC, It becomes very problematic for SoCon to stay in Asheville. Would suspect Greenville SC as possible and most likely alternative due to fairly central location and neutral court. Probably depends on availability of arena though. Other possibilities may include Myrtle Beach or Charleston, SC, Augusta GA. Not a lot of options though. As for HB2, can we get some adults in the room?

(09-17-2016 05:32 AM)Just Buc Wrote: With the NCAA and the ACC having pulled out of NC, It becomes very problematic for SoCon to stay in Asheville. Would suspect Greenville SC as possible and most likely alternative due to fairly central location and neutral court. Probably depends on availability of arena though. Other possibilities may include Myrtle Beach or Charleston, SC, Augusta GA. Not a lot of options though. As for HB2, can we get some adults in the room?

Interesting to note that South Carolina and Georgia (and Tennessee) are states that have sued the Obama administration over the transgender bathroom directive.

(09-15-2016 05:06 PM)Buc66 Wrote: Bottom line: How many on here want their daughters, granddaughters, wives in the same locker room (and showers) with biological males who describe themselves as females? Does this NC law protect or discriminate?

As a female, mother of a gay son and friend and ally of the LGTBQ community, I think you have no idea what you are talking about.

Please oh PLEASE tell me how to successfully enforce HB2. It's a BS attempt at blatant discrimination that cannot be enforced without some form of "potty police".

(09-17-2016 09:09 AM)Bucfaithful Wrote: I applaud these organizations for pulling their business out of NC.

Agreed.

The bathroom laws are a "solution" in search of a problem. Unnecessary and unenforceable - nobody's really going to post inspectors at bathroom doors, are they? So at bottom, just a way of stigmatizing people that some folks don't like, and playing on people's fears.

(09-17-2016 09:39 PM)etsubuc Wrote: The commissioner said today that the decision would ultimately be made by the universities presidents and chancellors in the coming week. I bet we stay in Asheville.

Use the reverse economic argument -- that the SoCon don't have the big bucks to travel here and there, plus -- they're glad to help the western NC economy by staying in Asheville, an already all welcoming city.